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| Beechcraft Corporation today announced the completion of the inaugural flight of its first production Beechcraft AT-6 light attack aircraft. The company commemorated the event at its headquarters in Wichita, Kan., with employees and dignitaries. With more than 1,600 hours already logged in AT-6 test aircraft, Beechcraft is offering the AT-6 to U.S. partner nations in need of light attack air support for the most demanding scenarios |
Don't get me wrong, I like the AT-6, but I would rather take an A-29 Super Tucano over the AT-6 any day of the week. The A-29 Super Tucano is a combat proven aircraft and has the results to back it. Which is why I think that the USAF should have A-29 Super Tucano for LAS, COIN, FAC and Special forces Support Aircraft. Even Special ops guys wouldn't mind having a LAS aircraft to support them. Even the Aircraft such as the A-29 Super Tucano would make a perfect manned ISR and Manned Reaper Aircraft.
ReplyDeletemy only thing with both the AT-6 and the A-29 is that they're just lightweight versions of what the A-10 is supposed to be.
Deletethey operate from rugged landing strips. so does the A-10 or is suppose to.
they can loiter for a long time. so can the A-10.
Their perfect as an Manned ISR platform and something to support Special Forces as well. It could fit the bill as an LAS and COIN Aircraft for low intensity conflicts and Conflicts that don't require high end Aircraft.
DeleteI think it might be fine against an enemy that lacks AA cannon or missiles, but there's a reason many earlier CAS/COIN/FAC aircraft (02 Skymaster, OV-10 Bronco, OV-1 Mohawk, Pucara, Hs-129, A-10) were twin engined...all enemy AA gunners need is one lucky hit and it is toast.
ReplyDeleteI am with Nicky on the A-29 Super Tucano. I said the Army should get them since they would be cheaper to operate than the A-10 and the USAF would not have as big of hissy fit if we got them, since they are not a fast mover jet. It is purely a CAS or ISR platform.
ReplyDeleteOn top of that, US Special operations command would like them as well. Even USAF Special tactics teams can use an A-29 or AT-6 to support Special forces on the ground. It can be a dedicated LAS, CAS, COIN and Manned ISR aircraft for US Special operations command. They can support Navy Seals, Green berets, Rangers, Delta Force & Force Recon. That's one thing I see potential for the AT-6 or A-29 Super Tucano.
DeleteOn top of that my dad flew aircraft similar to that with the Royal Lao Air force in the T-28 Trojan. That Aircraft was a true, CAS, LAS, COIN and manned ISR aircraft. It could take the abuse and still dish it out with the enemy. On top of that the Aircraft had room for an AK-47, just in case he had to ditch the aircraft behind enemy lines and hike it back to a friendly base.